President Barack Obama championed General Motors, Chrysler and Ford in his State of the Union speech this evening, using the Detroit automakers as examples of the American manufacturing industry’s comeback.

General Motors Co. regained its position as the world’s top automaker, while Chrysler Group and Ford Motor Co. have grown as well.

“What’s happening in Detroit can happen in other industries,” he said.

Obama said he wants to double the tax deductions that high-tech manufacturers receive for making their products in the U.S. And companies that relocate to towns hurt by shuttered factories should get assistance in financing new facilities, equipment and worker training.

“My message is simple. It is time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America,” he said. “Send me these tax reforms, and I will sign them right away.”